Gun perforator



GUN PERFORATOR Filed March 8, 1937 ffvdefv To e:

4 Sheets-Sheet l pril 18, 19.39. v l. `Mucciu-Ll- QUGH GUN 'PERFORATOR Filed Marfoh 8, 1937 4 Sheets4Sheet 2 f/vuE/y roe; lef) J/7c Caucus/1.,

5 18, 1939. l. J. MCcuLLoUGH 2,155,322

GUN PERFORATOR Filed March 8, 195'/ 4 sheets-sheet 5 I /f'av /in /25 y #T7-Geauga Patented Apr. 18,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 31 Claims.

My invention relates to the art of perlorating well casing, and relates particularly to a well casing perforating gun for use in perforating, at

elevations below the surface. casing which has already been installed in the well.

It is an object of my invention to provide a device for perforating a well after the casing has been installed in the well in which there is a plurality of projectiles, each of which is adapted to l0 be propelled by the burning of a separate charge of powder, and in which the charges of powder are simultaneously ignited in order that all of the projectiles will be shot or .projected 'from the apparatus at substantially the same time and with ample forceandyelocity'to penetrate a plurality of casings'and intervening walls of cement.

In the preferred form of my invention, I provide one charge of powder which I term an ignition charge and for each projectile I provide a ring charge. The chamber containing the ignition charge is connected to a closed space which is in turn connected by ports in parallel to each chamber in which one of the firing charges is contained. Upon burning the ignition charge, an

ignition flame, or heat and pressure are developed within the closed space and are communicated to the iiring charges through the ports. I have found that simultaneous tiring of a plurality of projectiles may be accomplished, and very great propelling forces for the projectiles may be obtained, by using connecting ports between the closed space and tiring charges, which are relatively small in cross-section and act as a restraining or restricting means.

Such restraining means or ports can also be effectively employed in other devices, as well as perforators, which are lowered into a well and explosively operated. Repeated use of such device results in the heat and pressure developed therewithin enlarging the restraining ports, thus diminishing their eectiveness.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide a device of the character referred to in which the effectiveness of the restraining means may '45 be maintained.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide a device of the character referred to in which the restraining port is formed in a replaceable member so that when it becomes burned to a size 50 to be unsatisfactory, the replaceable member may be removed and replaced by one having avproper restraining port.

It is another object of my .invention to provide l a replaceable member having a Vrestraining port.

55 connecting an ignition chamber and a chamber (Cl. 16d-0.5)

containing an explosive vcharge in an explosive operated device. i

It is a further object of my invention to provide an explosively operated well perforating structure in which a gun body has a longitudinally ex- 5 tending ignition chamber and a laterally disposed tiring charge chamber with threaded connecting openings betweenthe chambers. It is a furtherflobiect of my invention' to provide a plurality-'of 'ignition charges .for establishing 10 pressure andiiame in an ignition chamber connected to ring charge chambers. It isfa further object of my invention to provide alcol-proof and safe mechanicafctuating meansv whereby the powder may be ignited at the 15 -desired time.

It is-"a'4 further object of my invention to provide an operating means in which the percussion means or the means which initiates the operation of the apparatus is operated by means of a ham- 20 mer which is dropped into the well from the surface ofthe ground, preferably around the cable,

by means of which the device is lowere `rxito the well. f

It is another object of my invention tdfp'rov'ide 25 an explosive operated device of thef haracter mentioned in which the percussion nia'sff has a disconnectable means so that the i percussion means is inoperative except when the" disconnectable means is in a certain position. This is 30 a safeguard against accidental or inadvertent operation.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide an explosive operated device of the character referred to heretofore in which the percus- 35 sion4 means has a retaining means associated with it which will not prevent intended operation of the apparatus, but will prevent accidental or inadvertent operation which might occur due to the well pressure or pressure of the uid in the well. 40

A'further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned which while in the well may be locked from operation.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned which may be locked from operation when itis 'in the well, and, until unlocked, cannot be operated even though the means which is normally operated to nre the device is actuated.

It sometimes occurs that after the device is lowered into the well to the proper level `for per- -forating the casing, and the operating means operated, for some reason the perforator gundoes A not shoot. In raising the device to the surface of the ground it may accidentally discharge and perforate the casing at the wrong elevation. Also other devices explosively operated in a well may accidentally discharge and damage the casing.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide a device of the character referred to which is locked from operation during raising.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide a device of the character referred to in which the locking means is mounted on the device and is frictionally operated by the well casing.

It is a still further object of my Invention to provide a relatively simple apparatus which is fool-proof in operation, which is sturdy in construction and will therefore withstand severe shocks and strains produced during the operation of the apparatus, and one which is easily cleaned and recharged for reoperation.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be made evident in the following description of the preferred form of my invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view illustrating the utility of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through la preferred form of my invention illustrating the details thereof.

Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are sectional views taken on the lines 3 3, 4 4, 5 5. and 6 6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 1 1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view partly in section showing the parts of a different position.

Fig. 9 is a section taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8.

Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are sectional views taken on the lines III-III, H II, I2 I2, and I3-I9 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line I4 I4 of Fig. 13.`

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken on the line I5 I5 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an alternative form of my invention.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an alternative form of projectile supporting assembly of my invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and parti'cularly to Fig. 1, the numeral I I represents the my invention in perforating device incorporating the features of which is connected to a meter I9 by means of a flexible cable I9. The purpose of the measuring -means I6 is to enable the operator to position-the perforating device at a desired level in the well.

The general construction, as well as the details of construction, are shown in Figs. 2 to 15 inclusive. For the convenience of manfacture, the perforating device of my invention is made in a. plurality of parts. However, I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction illustrated. The preferred form of my invention. as

illustrated best in Fig. 2, includes a cylindrical and elongated body 25 which is preferably made from steel or from steel alloy which is capable oi' withstanding strains, shocks, and internal pressures. The upper end of the body 25 .is provided with a threaded socket 25 so that a collar or connection member 21 may be secured thereto, this connection member 21 having a threaded pin 28 which is screwed into the threaded socket 25. The connection member 21 has a threaded pin 29 which is formed at the upper end of an upwardly projecting shank 30. Connected to the threaded pin 29 is a cable socket 9i, by means of which the cable I2 is connected to the apparatus. The lower end of the cable I2 extends to the interior of the cable socket 3| and has the strands thereof separated, after which hot "Babbitt" is poured into the place, thus providing an enlargement 32k which eifectively securesthese parts together.

Referring now to the details of construction provided by the preferred form of my invention. the body 25 includes a plurality of shooting means v33 which includes a powder chamber, a cylinder,

a projectile, as will be now described with reference to Fig. 12. Formed in the body 25 is a plurality of openings 35 which are arranged at different elevations and which are alternately connected or joined to opposite sides of the body 25. Each opening 35 has a bottom portion which provides a firing-charge chamber or powder chamber 35, and adapted to be positioned in the firingcharge chamber 35 is a firing charge 31 which consists of a charge of powder enclosed in a suitable container 99 which may be made from cloth or paper. The outer portion of the opening 35 is provided in the form of a threaded portion 99 which is of larger diameter than the firingcharge chamber, thus providing an annular shoulder 40. Adapted to be screwed into the threaded portion 39 is a barrel or cylinder 4I which has an end face 42 which secures a gasket 43 against the shoulder 40, thus retaining the ilring charge 31 in place and thus forming a gastight seal. In order to obtain the necessary strength to enable a building up of internal pressure and to withstand external pressure, as well as sealing qualities, this gasket is preferably made from a sheet of steel and a. sheet of copper. 'I'he barrel or cylinder 4I is provided with a cylinder bore 44 which extends preferably at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body 25 and is in communication with the exterior of the device at its outer end and in communication with the gasket 43 at its other end. 'I'he outer part of the cylinder or barrel 4I is provided with a'pqlygonal portion 45 so that it may be installed or removed by t he use of a suitable wrench. Placed in each of the cylinder bores 44 is a projectile 49 which is preferably provided with a pointed end 41. The cylinder 4I in the preferred form of my invention is a separate part so as to provide a convenient means for securing the gasket 43 in place and to permit convenient replacement when the bores become enlarged through use. My invention, however, is not limited to this particular arrangement. and the term cylinder as used herein and in the claim is to be construed as including cylinders which are either separate from or integral with the body. Likewisefthe term Icylinder bore or "bore is to be construed as covering any opening or passage in which a projectile is supported or through which the projectile is propelled. The projectile rests against the gasket 43, which has sumcient mechanical strength to withstand well pressures and keeps the projectile from being forced into the firingcharge chamber. For retaining the projectile 49 in place I prefer to use a body of grease 49 which nlls the outer end of the bore 44. thus holdalemana thus preventing the entrance of foreign matter or obstructions into the outer part of the bore.l

niting or lighting the charge of powder or ring charge 31. as will be described. This powder.

upon burning develops a high pressure in the firing charge chamber 36 and ruptures the gasket 43 when the pressure builds up sufliicently.. I find that more force may be applied to the proiectile by making the vgasket strong enough to cause a relatively high pressure to bebuilt up before it ruptures the gasket and releases. This release of pressure applies a great force and res the projectile 45 outwardly through the bore 44 with such force that the casing I3 will be easily penetrated and the projectile will be forced an appreciable distance into the surrounding formations.

'I'he ignition means of my invention includes what I term an ignition chamber or closed space or unobstructed passage '50 which is provided in the form of a cylindrical bore which is drilled into the body 25 preferably from the lower end thereof. The lower end of the ignition chamber 50 is closed by a removable plug 5l, which plug may be removed after operation of the perforating device for the purpose of cleaning the ignition chamber 50. This plug 5I is, of course, provided with a suitable gasket 52 to form a gas-tight seal. The ignition chamber or space or passage 50 is closed from communication with the exterior of the body 25. Connected to each of the firing-charge chambers 36 is an ignition port 53, which ignition ports are also connected to the ignition chamber 50 which extends in a vertical direction adjacent the different firing-charge chambers 36. The 4firing-charge chambers are connected in parallel to the ignition chamber.

As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, each port 53 is formed in a replaceable member 54, so that when the port becomes enlarged by reason of repeated use, another member 54 having the proper size of port 53 may be installed. In the form of my invention illustrated, an opening 55 is drilled on the center line A--A. The inner end of each opening 55 is joined to the ignition chamber 50, and it extends above the central part of the adjacent ring-charge chamber 36. Both the member 54 and opening 55 are complementarily threaded so that the member 54 may be threaded into place as shown With its inner end at the ignition chamber 50. The member 54 has a head 56 which rests in a socket 51 and clamps a sealing gasket 58 in place.

Each opening 55 is connected to the adjacent firing-charge chamber 36 by a milled groove 60 which may be considered as a part of the firingcharge chamber 36. This groove is necessitated by the fact that the opening 55 is spaced from the chamber 3B so as to leave ample metal around f the opening 35 and not impair the strength of the body 25.

The port 53 in each member 54 has a portion 53a, which is drilled axially from the end thereof, and a portion 53h, which is drilled radially to meet the portion 53a. To assure alignment of the portion 53h with the groove 50 a mark or other indication 6l is placed on the head 56 of the member 55 in a predetermined relation with the portion 53h.

The ports 33 are preferably of small crosssectional area so as to act as restricting or restraining ports. In practice I find that 11g" diameter is satisfactory.

Ihe ignition means of my invention also includes a flame producing means which is provided Y by an ignition-charge chamber 63 which is provided by an opening 31 'formed laterally into the body 25 from one'side thereof as illustrated in Figs. 2 and ll. 'me ignition-charge chamber is in communication with the upper nd of the ignition chamber 50 and is adapted o contain an ignition charge 58 which is enclosed in a suitablecontainer 69 which may be cloth or paper. This ignition charge 38, as will be seen from Figs. 2 and 1l, projects slightly into the ignition chamber 50. The outer end of the opening 31 is. provided in the form of an enlarged threaded portion 10 which threadedly vreceives a closure plug 1l which, when screwed in place by the application of a wrench to the socket 12, secures a gasket 13 against a shoulder l14 of the. opening 61, thus forming a gas-tight seal.

Upon the lighting of the ignition charge 58, as will be described presently. the burning of the powder produces a flame and considerable heat, and this flame is forced into the upper end of the ignition chamber 50 and almost instantaneously passes downwardly through the entire length of the ignition chamber and almost instantaneously develops a high pressure therein. The flame or the intense heat of the flame, which is sufficient to cause an igniting of the firing charges 31 and the pressure generated, passes from the ignition chamber 50 through the restraining ports 53 and into contact with the ring charges 31, thus igniting or lighting them and causing an operation as' pointed out heretofore.

The action of the ignition means of my invention is such as to produce a substantially simultaneous firing or lightingk of all of the firing charges 31 so that all of the projectiles 46 are shot from the perforating device at substantially the same time. This is one of the important features of my invention, since it produces a very heavy explosion, and the projectiles substantially simultaneously striking the casing and entering the surrounding formation set up very heavy vibrations which are conducive to the providing of oil channels whereby oil may more freely flow to the casing for passage through the perforations of the casing into the well.

A further important feature is that the ignition charge 68 when ignited initially builds up a pressure in the apparatus so that' when the firing charges are ignited there will not be a loss of power or pressure such as would be involved if it were necessary to employ the pressure of the firing charges to build up the pressure in the apparatus.

The important new results referred to in the two preceding paragraphs are accomplished by connecting the firing-charge chambers 36 to the closed space 50 in parallel; and also by employing the small cross-sectional size of ports 53. The restraining ports 53 cause heat and pressure to be built up in the closed space l5l) before they are transmitted to the firing-charge chambers 36. The heat and pressure are practically instantaneously built up and are substantially equal in all parts of the closed space. 'Ihe heat and pressure are then simultaneously transmitted bythe restrainingports 53 to the firing-charge chambers 36. The ring charges 31 are simultaneously ignited and simultaneously build up an enormous pressure in each of the firing-charge chambers 36 which propels the projectiles with a maximum of power. The restraining ports 53, upon the igniting of the ring charges, act as a means to restrain the escape of pressure from the tiringcharge chambers 38 into the ignition chamber 58. The initial pressure in the apparatus, coupled with the small-diametered restraining ports, causes a maximum of the energy of the burning of the tiring-charges to be employed in propelling the projectiles.

It is furthermore important to my invention, from the standpoint of lengthening the -life of the device and of maintaining eillciency. to be able to maintain the size of the restraining ports; and the feature of the replaceable member 54 including a restraining port 53 is therefore quite valuable. l

It will be seen from the foregoing discussion that the ignition chamber 58 and the ports 53 provide a means for conveying 'the llame or the heat and pressure produced by the burning of the ignition charge 88 to or into contact with the various firing charges 31. It will 'further be seen that the ignition charge 58 constitutes a means for producing a llame for producing heat and pressure.

My invention also includes a means for lighting the ignition charge and this part of my invention includes a chamber 15 which is preferably formed in the body 25 from the upper end thereof and which is reduced in size at its lower end so as to provide an annular shoulder 16. Adapted to be placed in the chamber 15 against the shoulder 15 is a priming device which, for convenience, is in the form of a blank cartridge 11 which includes a percussion cap and a small lpriming charge which is ignited thereby; It will be seen that the lower end of the chamber 15 is in communication with the ignition chamber 66 'so that when the priming charge burns it will in turn light the ignition charge 68. The cartridge 11 may be installed or removed from place through a breech opening 18 which communicates with the chamber 15 directly above the shoulder 18 and which is ordinarily closed by a plug 19 which secures a suitable gas-tight gasket 88 in place as shown. By removing the plug 18 and also the plug 1|, which may be done after the device has been operated, a suitable device may be inserted upwardly through the lower end of. the chamber 15 for forcing the cartridge 11 upward, and the cartridge 11 may then be removed through the breech opening 18.

As a part of the means for lighting the ignition charge my invention provides a percussion means. This percussion means includes a percussion rod which extends downwardly into the chamber 15 ab'ove the cartridge 11 and has a percussion tip 86 formed on the lower end thereof. The upper part of the percussion rod 85 extends through an opening 81 formed in the connection .member 21. A seal is formed around the rod 85 by means of a stuffing box 88 which may be of any desired construction, and which serves to make the closed space 58 gas tight. The upper end of the percussion rod 85 extends into a horizontal slot 89 formed where the shank 38 meets the main portion of the connecting means 21. The upper end of the percussion rod 85 has a small horizontal opening 98 for receiving a retaining means or shear pin 9|, the extending ends of the shear pin 9| resting on the lower wall 92 which defines the bottom of the slot 89. The purpose of the retaining means 9| is to support the percussion rod 85 in the position shown in Fig. 2 and to hold it in that-position so that any pressure within the well or the pressure of the fluid within the well will not, when applied to the upper end of the percussion rod 85, force it downwardly, as might occur were this precaution not taken. This would either result in an accidental firing of. the perforating device or a destruction of the percussion cap. so that .it would not. operate at the desired time. The percussion rod 85, being located whollywithin the perforating device, may be referred @te as an internal part of the percussion means.

`Surrounding the shank 88 and the socket 3| is a percussion sleeve 85 which, being located on the outside of the device, may be referred to as an external part. The upper end of the percussion sleeve 85 has an opening 86 through which the cable I2 extends, and the remaining part thereof has a relatively large cavity 81 within which the shaft and socket, parts 38 and 8|, rest. For the purpose of preventing undue vibration or movement of the percussion sleeve and for holding same in raised position during the lowering of the device to the proper elevation I provide a friction means which, as shown best in Fig. 6, is in the form of diametrally opposed screws 99 carried by threaded openings |88 of the percussion sleeve 95 which have inner ends |8| which extend into vertically elongated slots |82 formed on the exterior of the shaft 88. By suitable adjustment of these screws-89 the desired friction may be obtained which will prevent rattling or movement, but which will not prevent proper operation of the percussion means.

The percussion means of my invention also includes a yoke or disconnectable means |83 which, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, extends horizontally through the slot 89 and engages the upper end of the percussion rod 85. The ends |84 of the yoke |83 project outwardly from the shank 38 and are-engaged by the lower end |85 of the cussion sleeve 95. Shoulders |86 are provided for preventing lateral movement and inadvertent removal of the yoke |88. This yoke |83 is removable by withdrawing the screws 99 and raising the percussion sleeve 95. When this is done the yoke |83 may be removed from place and the percussion sleeve 95 maybe lowered so that the lower end thereof engages the upper end |86 of the large part of the connection member 21. It will be seen that when this yoke |83 is removed there is no connection to the percussion rod 85 and the device cannot be operated. Furthermore, when the percussion sleeve 95 is in lowered position the slot 89 is fully closed so that it is impossible for anything to get into the slot and inadvertently force the percussion rod 85 downwardly. Ordinarily I prefer to remove the yoke and lower the percussion sleeve whenever the apparatus is being transported and to properly position these parts, as shown in Fig. 2, just before the perforating device is ready to be low-I ered into the well.

My invention provides means for locking the sleeve 95 from operation, and in the form of my invention illustrated herein is brought into locking position by raising the perforator in the well. As shown in Figs. 2 to 9. the sleeve 95 is provided with diametral slots ||8, in the upper end of which latches in the form of pawls are piv- `oted on pivots |||a. Leaf springs ||2, the lower p ends of which are secured to the sleeve 95, have upper ends which engage walls ||3 of the pawls and hold them in extended or unlatched p0- sition as shown in Fig. 8. When. in these positions the stops ||4 of the pawls engage the adjacent inner walls of the sleeve 95, as shown in Fig. 9, for determining the unlatched positions of the pawls. There is provided means for moving the pawls I I I into latched position and latching or locking them in these positions as shown in Fig. 2. When the pawls I I I are heid in latched position the upper end of the rope socket 3| is engaged and the sleeve 95 is locked irom downward movement relative to the perforator.- Each' pawl is undercut at its lower inner parts to form lock shoulders IIB and stop shoulders II'I which respectively engage the end wall or shoulder III, formed at the upper end of the socket 3|, and the side face I I9 thereof. The pawl-actuating means of the form of my invention shown herein is in the form of a lantern I2| which is slidably disposed on the sleeve 95. The lantern |2| includes collars |22 slidably mounted on the sleeve 35 and secured to the ends of four equi-spaced spring arms |23 which bow outward at the central'parts for frictional engagement with the well casing I3. Movement of the lantern I2I Islimited by upper and lower shoulders |24 of the sleeve 35. During lowering of the gun perforator the frictional engagement of the spring arms |23 holds the lantern I2I in raised position asshown in Fig. 8 and the pawls are in unlatched position. When the gun perforator is raised the lantern I2I is moved into a relatively lowered position, and at this time the upper sleeve |22 engages the pawls III and locks them in latched position.

For the purpose of delivering a blow to the percussion means I provide a hammer |30 which, as shown best in Fig. 3, is preferably made in two parts I3| and |32 hinged at |33 and secured in closed position by means of a screw |34. This hammer |30 has an opening |35 through which the cable I2 extends when the hammer is positioned on the cable as shown in Figs.- 1 and 2. The hammer is made of this type so that it need not be placed on the cable until the perforating device has reached the desired position and the operator is ready to iire the charges. He then places the hammer around the cable, secures it in place by proper manipulation of the screw |34, and then drops it into the well. The hammer follows the cable downwardly and strikes the upper end of the percussion sleeve 95. If the pawls III are in unlatched position, the force is transmitted through the percussion sleeve and the yoke and to the percussion rod 85. The force is sufficient to shear the retaining means or shear pin 9|,` thus permitting the percussion rod to be forced downwardly with a sumcient blow to lire the percussion cap and ignite the priming charge of the cartridge 11.

The device is so constructed that it may be readily cleaned and reloaded on location. All of the chambers thereof are placed so as to be readily accessible, and those parts which have been discharged from the device or used in the operation thereof may be replaced by use of, simple tools.

While the device is at the surface of the ground the replaceable members 54 are removed and inspected. If the restraining ports are burned out so as to be too large to perform the restraining function, the members are replaced by new ones. In practice I make the restraining ports 11g" in diameter, and find it advisable to replace the members 54 when the openings are 3%" in diameter.

If, for some reason, the hammer |30 becomes fouled on the cable I2, such, for example, as may occur if the well is crooked and the cable lies along one side oi' the well, it sometimes is diiilcult or impossible to dislodge the hammer. When the latter situation develops the gun perforator must be removed from the well unred, and there is always the possibility of the hammer becoming dislodged during this raising operation which might result in an accidental ring of the gun and a perforating of the well casing at an improper level. In the preferred form of my invention such accidental firing is prevented, since upon the very first upward movement of the perforator the lantern |2I is moved into latching position as fully explained heretofore, which holds the pawls in latched position, with the result that the percussion sleeve cannot move downward. At any time while the perforator is in the well the sleeve 95 may be locked by movlng the perforator upward a few inches.

In the form of my invention shown in Fig. 16 I employ Ibut a single projectile. This type of device is used for special Jobs. such for example as where it is necessary to perforate many strings of casing and layers of cement, in which case it is necessary to have a very heavy body and a very large charge of powder so that sufficient penetrating force can be obtained. In this alternative form of my invention all of the parts are the same except as will be noted, and therefore the same numerals will be applied to this form of my invention as have .been applied to corresponding parts of the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15 inclusive. In this form of my invention I employ a second ignitioncharge chamber 66 carrying an ignition charge 68' and having the threaded portion 10' adapted to receive a plug 1|' which holds the gasket 13 against its seat. These parts are located directly below the rst ignition vcharge assembly and are in communication therewith by means of a passage 16' which constitutes a continuation of the opening 15. It will be seen that both of the ignition charges are in communication with the priming means 'I1 and also in communication with-the passage 50. By this arrangement I am able to obtain substantially double pressure in the closed space 50, and since this additional pressure acts on one projectile, materially greater power is obtained.

In Fig. 17 I have illustrated an alternative form of projectile supporting assembly. As shown in this view, (which parts corresponding to those in Figs. 1 to 15 inclusive have the same numbers) the projectile 46 is provided with an added on material |42 at its butt end, which is preferably a soit metal, such as zinc. The material |42 may be applied such as by dipping the butt end of the projectile into a molten body of such material. The bore 44 has its inner end tapered to form a tapered enlargement I 43. 'I'he projectile 40 is inserted from the rear of the barrel 4| before the latter is installed, and the zinc |42, although it may not originally be in tapered shape, is .forced into the tapered part |43 of the bore iillingsame as shown in Fig. 17. A Instead of using a destructible diaphragm as in Figs. 1 to 15, I employ a plate |44 having an orifice |45 which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the projectile 46. In practice, the projectile 46 is not forced entirely into the bore 44 before the barrel Als installed, but is left slightly projecting. When the barrel is screwed into the body 25 the plate |44 rst engages the end of the projectile 4B, forcing it home as shown in Fig. 17, with the result that it is securely held in place.

When the firing charge 31 is ignited the projectile is not shot until the pressure is built up suiiiciently to separate the projectile from the added on material. It will be noted that in this form of my invention the projectile is secured in the bore and the pressure developed by burning the powder is yapplied directly to the projectile.

I believe my invention to be broadly new not only as to its entirety, but also as to its several subcombinations and elements. I furthermore state that less than the whole of my invention and modications thereof may be advantageously employed. In view of these facts I do not wish my patent protection to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but wish broad protection in accordance with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: walls forming an ignition-charge chamber, adapted to receive an ignition charge; an ignition charge in said chamber; walls forming a tiring-charge chamber; a firing charge in said firing-charge chamber; a cylinder having a cylinder bore positioned for communication with said iiring-cha'rge chamber;

' a projectile in said cylinder bore; lighting means for igniting said ignition charge for producing a flame; walls forming an unobstructed space in communication with said firing charge and said ignition charge and closed from communication with the exterior of said device so that when' said ignition charge is burned heat and pressure are thereby developed in said space; and a replaceable member having formed therein a restraining port connected to said ignition-charge chamber and to said firing-charge chamber whereby said heat and pressure are transmitted to said ring charge for tiring the same and propelling said projectile.

2. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: walls forming an ignition-charge chamber, adapted to receive an ignition charge; walls forming a tiring-charge chamber.' adapted to receive a firing charge; a cylinder having a cylinder bore positioned for communication with said firing-charge chamber; a projectile in said cylinder bore; lighting means for igniting the igniting charge for producing a iiame; walls forming an unobstructed space in communication with said firing-charge chamber and said ignition-charge chamber and closed from communication with the exterior of said device so that. when an ignition charge is burned, heat and pressure are therebyy developed in said space; and a replaceable member having formed therein a restraining port lconnected to said ignition-.charge chamber and to said tiring-charge chamber, whereby said heat and pressure are transmitted to the ring charge for ring the same and propelling said projectile.

3. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: walls-forming an ignition-charge chamber adapted to receive an ignition charge; walls forming a plurality of tiringcharge chambers spaced from said ignition charge and each adapted to receive a firing charge; a plurality of cylinders each having a cylinder bore and each positioned for communication with one of said ring-charge chambers; a projectile in each of said cylinder bores; lighting means for lighting said ignition charge for burning same; walls forming a space closed from the exterior of said device. and in communication with said ignition-charge chamber, so that when said ignition charge is burned'heat and pressure are thereby developed in said space; and a plurality of replaceable'members, each having a restraining port, each port being connected with one of said firing-charge chambers and said space and by means of which said heat reaches said firing charges and ignites them.

4. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of `walls forming a plurality of firing-charge chambers each adapted to receive a iiring charge; a plurality of cylinders each having a cylinder bore and each positioned for communication with one of said tiring-charge chambers; a projectile in each of said cylinder bores; `walls forming a space closed from the exterior of said device: an ignition charge in communication with said space and adapted to be burned to produce heat and pressure in said space; and a plurality of replaceable members.

leach having a restraining port, each port being connected with one of said iiring-charge chambers and said space and by means of which said heat reaches said tiring charges and ignites them.

5. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination including: a body providing an ignition-charge chamber adapted to receive an ignition charge, a ring-charge chamber adapted to receive a firing charge, and a closed space in communication with said ignition-charge chamber; means for igniting said ignition charge to produce heat and pressure in said closed space; a replaceable member supported by said body and providing a port connecting said space to said firing-charge chamber whereby said firing charge may be ignited; and a projectile supported in a bore adjacent said firing-charge chamber.

6. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination including: a body providing an ignition-charge chamber adapted to receive an ignition charge, a ring-charge chamber adapted to receive a ring charge and a closed space in communication with said ignition-charge chamber; means for igniting ,said ignition charge to produce heat and pressure in said closed space; a replaceable member threadedly supported by said body andiproviding a port connecting said space to said firing-charge chamber whereby said ilring charge may be ignited; and a projectile supported in a bore adjacent said tiring-charge chamber.

7. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination including: a body providing an ignition-charge chamber adapted to receive an ignition charge, a ming-charge chamber adapted to receive a ring charge, a closed space in communication with said ignition-charge chamber, and an opening connected to said space and said firing-charge chamber; means for igniting said ignition charge to produce heat and pressure in said closed space; a replaceable member supported in said opening of said body and providing a port connecting said space to said tiring-charge chamber and through which the heat in said space may be conveyed to said tlring-charge ,chamber in order that said tiring charge may be ignited; and a projectile supported in a bore adjacent said tiring-charge chamber.

8. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile. and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge of powder which when fired will propel said projectile from said bore; firing means whereby said charge of powder may be tired; and lock means, operated aromas by raising said body in said well, for locking said iiring means from operating.

9. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile, and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge oi powder which when fired will propel said projectile from said bore; iring means whereby said charge oi' powder may be nred, including a percussion member adapted to be struck by a hammer means; and lock means, operated by raising said body in said well. for locking said percussion mem-- ber in order to prevent said firing means from operating.

10. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile, and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge of powder which when red will propel said projectile from said bore; iring means whereby said charge of powder may be ilred. including a percussion member adapted to be struck by a hammer means; and lock means, operated by frictional engagement with the well casing in said well for locking said percussion member in order to prevent said ring means from operating.

11. In a device for peri'orating well casing in a well, the combination of a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile, and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge of powder which when fired will propel said projectile from said bore; and percussion means for firing said charge of powder, including an inner percussion member supported within said body, anouter percussion member supported on the exterior of said body and adapted to be struck by a hammer means, and a disconnectable means normally operably connecting said percussion members together but being disconnectable to disconnect said outer from said inner percussion member; and lock means, operated by a predetermined movement of said device in the well, to lock said percussion means from operating.

12. In a device for perforating well casing in a well, the combination of: a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile, and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge of powder which when red will propel said projectile from said bore; and percussion means for iiring said charge of powder, including an inner percussion member supported within said body, an outer percussion member supported on the exterior of said body and adapted to be struck by a hammer means, and a disconnectable means normally operably connecting said percussion members together but being disconnectable to disconnect said outer from said inner percussion member; a latch whereby said outer percussion member is locked from movement relative to said body;

and a lantern frictionally operable by the casing in the well to release said latch.

13. In a device for ring a charge, the combination of: a body having a. iiring-charge chamber adapted to receive a ring charge, and a space separated from said chamber; means for supporting a projectile in operative relation to said firing-charge chamber; a replaceable member forming a restraining port, having a low ratio of its diameter to the diameter of the space and leading from said chamber to said space; and means for producing an ignition iluid in said space oi such restraining'ports leading from said iiring-chage chambers to said space; and means for producing in said space an ignition iiuid of such character that it will effect the simultaneous ring of said firing charges through said restraining ports.'

15. In a device for perforating casing in a well, the combination of: a body adapted to be lowered into the well, said body having a bore adapted to receive a projectile. and a powder chamber adapted to receive a charge of powder which when ilred will propel said projectile from said bore; firing means whereby said charge'of powder may be iired; lock means supported adjacent said body for locking said ilring means from operating; and means under control of an operator at the top of the well to actuate said locking means into locking position.

16. 'I'he combination in a well perforating gun which includes a body having a lring charge chamber and an ignition chamber adjacent thereto: a replaceable restraining port member removable independently of said ignition chamber and supported in said body and having a restraining port therein which connects said ignition chamber and said firing charge chamber.

17. A sub-combination in a device adapted to be lowered into and operated in a well which device has an explosive charge chamber and an ignition chamber spaced therefrom, said combination including: Walls forming an opening connected to said explosive charge chamber and said firing charge chamber; and a replaceable member removable independently of said ignition chamber and supported in said opening and having a restraining port which connects said ignition chamber to said explosive charge chamber.

18. A sub-combination in a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge, which device has an explosive charge chamber and an ignition chamber spaced therefrom, said combination including: walls forming an opening connected to said ignition chamber, said firing charge chamber, and to the exterior of said device, said opening being at least partly threaded; and a member removable independently of said ignition chamber and replaceable from the exterior of said device threadedly supported in said opening and having a restrainingl port which connects said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber.

19. A sub-combination in a device adapted to be lowered into a Well and operated therein by an explosive charge, which device has an elongated body provided with a longitudinally extending ignition chamber and a laterally extending explosive charge chamber, said sub-combination including: Walls forming a laterally extending opening connected to said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber; and a replaceable member removable independently of said ignition chamber and. supported in said opening and having a restraining port which connects said ignition chamber to said iiring charge chamber.

20. A sub-combination in a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge, which device has an explosive charge chamber and an ignition chamber spaced therefrom, said sub-combination including: walls forming an opening connecting said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber; and a replaceable member removable independently of said ignition chamber and supported in said opening and having a restraining port which connects said ignition chamber to said explosive charge chamber, said restraining port opening through the end of said member into said ignition chamber and through the side of said member into said explosive charge chamber.

21. Areplaceable restraining port member for connecting an ignition charge chamber and an explosive charge chamber in a device adapted to be lowered into a weil and operated therein by an explosive charge, said device having a threaded opening extending from the exterior thereof and communicating with said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber, said replaceable port member comprising: a threaded body adapted to be supported in said opening provided with a restraining port connected to the end and side of said body; and marking means on the exposed end of said member for indicating the position of the portion of said port connected to the side of said body.

22. A replaceable restraining port member providing a restraining port for connecting an ignition chamber and an explosive charge chamber in a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge, said device having a threaded bore connecting the exterior of said device, the said bore being enlarged adjacent the exterior oi' said device, said member comprising a threaded body supported in vsaid threaded bore and having a restraining port extending between the end and side of' said body so as to have opposite ends of said port register with said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber, an enlarged head upon the exterior end of said member adapted to be received in said enlarged bore and indicatingmeans on said head for indicating the position of the end of said port connected to the side of said body.

23. In a device adapted to be lowered into a. well and operated therein by an explosive charge, the combination of a body having therein an explosive charge chamber adapted to receive a charge of explosive which when fired will operate said device, ring means for igniting said explosive charge; and lock means, operated by raising said body in said well, for locking said tiring means for operation.

24. In a device adapted to be lowered into a Awell and operated'therein by anexplosive charge,

the combination of: a body having therein an explosive charge chamber adapted to receive a charge of explosive which, when tired, will operate said device; iiring means for firing said explosive charge, including a percussion member adapted to be struck by a hammer means: and lock means operated by raising said body in said well, for locking said percussion member in order to prevent said tiring means from firing said explosive charge.

25. In a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge, the combination of a body provided with an explosive charge chamber adapted to receive an explosive charge which. when fired, will operate said device; i'lring means for firing said explosive charge, including a percussion member adapted to be struck by a hammer means; and lock means operated by irictional engagement with the`sides of said well for locking said percussion member in order to prevent tiring means from ring said explosive charge when said device is raised from said well.

26. In a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by'an explosive charge, the combination of a body having therein an explosive charge chamber adapted to receive a charge of explosive which when red will operate said device, iiring means for igniting said explosive charge; and lock means supported adjacent said body for locking said firing means from operating; Vand means under control ot an operator at the top of the well to actuate said lock means into locking position.

27. In a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge. the combination of: a body provided with an explosive charge chamber adapted to receive an explosive charge which, when fired, will operate said device; tiring means for firing said explosive charge, including a percussion member adapted to be struck by a hammer means; and lock means operated by frictional engagement with the sides of said well and under control Kof an operator at the top of the well for locking said percussion member in order to prevent ring means from firing said explosive charge.

28. In a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operating therein by an explosive charge, the combination of: a body provided with an ignition chamber, an explosive charge chamber communicating with said ignition chamber and a plurality of ignition charge members communicating with said ignition chamber; an ignition charge in each of said ignition charge chambers; and firing means for simultaneously igniting said ignition charges.

29. In a well perforating gun of the class described, the combination of: a body providing a cylinder bore having a projectile, a firing charge chamber adjacent said cylinder bore having a iiring charge for propelling said projectile, an ignition charge chamber spaced from said tiring charge chamber having an ignition charge, and an ignition chamber closed from communication with the exterior of said body and in communication with said ignition charge chamber; a replaceable member removable independently of said ignition charge chambers and supported by said body and providing a restraining port in communication with said ignition chamber and said firing charge chamber; and means for igniting said ignition charge.

30. In a well perforating. gun of the class described, the combination of: a body providing a plurality of cylinder bores each having a projectile, a plurality of ring charge chambers each positioned adjacent one of said cylinder bores and each having a firing charge for propelling said projectile, an ignition charge chamber vspaced from said firing charge chambers having an ignition charge, and an ignition chamber closed i'rom communication with the exterior oi' said body and in communication with said ignition charge chambers; and a replaceable member supported by said body adjacent each tiring charge chamber and each providing a restraining port in communication with said ignition chamber and a firing charge chamber: and means for igniting said ignition charge.

3l. In a device adapted to be lowered into a well and operated therein by an explosive charge,

the combination of: a body providing an explosive charge chamber for receiving said explosive charge therein, an ignition charge chamber spaced from said explosive charge for receiving able independently of said ignition charge chamber and supported by said body and providing a restraining port in communication with said ignition chamber and said explosive charge chamber; and means for igniting said ignition charge 5 to cause said explosive charge to perform an operation in said well.

IRA J. MCCULLOUGH.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,155,522.

April 18, 1959.

IRA J. HcCULLOUGH.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification ofthe above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5, first colmnn, line 72, for "ports 55" read ports 55; page 8, first column, line 56, claim 25, for the word "for" read from;

same page, second column, line 52, claim 28, for operating read operated; line 52, claim 29, for "chambers" read chamber; and that the said Letters Patent should be readwith this cor4 l rection therein that the same may conform to the record of the case inthe Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day of June', A.. D. 1959.

(seal) Henry Jan Arsdale Acting Commissioner of Patents 

